Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Ericaceae
Image
Bearberry growing in a sandy environment by the water, Photo credit: Jocelyn Carter, Medsin Cup 2023
Names and Their Meanings
Bearberry - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Kanienʼkéha
onerahtontahkó:wa
Anishinaabemowin
saga'kominaganj “berry with spikes”
Anishinaabemowin
Saga'komi'agkomin'aganj “used for kinnickkinnick”
Anishinaabemowin
apaakozigan “a smoking mixture”
Anishinaabemowin
makoonsimin/an “small or young bear - berry/ berries”
Anishinaabemowin
zaagaakominagaawanzh/iig “emerges like a stick - berry plant/s”
French
Raisin d’Ours
Bearberry
Description
Densemore: Medicine (headache), food, utility leaves smoked in pipe. The leaves have mild, slightly antiseptic diuretic properties, fruit is edible. the berries of this plant were cooked in the broth of meat as a seasoning, and the leaves are smoked (dried and pulverized, combined with red willow or tobacco).
Conservation Status
S5 (Secure) in Ontario, Québec, and New York